Christian Engineering Education Conference
CEEC-2004

Salt Lake City, Utah
June 23-25, 2004

Christian Worldview and the Engineering Context

Steven R. Eisenbarth
Department of Engineering
Baylor University

Baylor University’s, a recent commitment to “Vision 2012”
has created imperatives for the faculty to seek ways of integrating Christian
perspectives into the classroom and encouraging the integration of Christian
faith and the intellectual life. Teaching from a Christian worldview is part
of the University’s charge and Engineering faculty members are investigating
how Christian perspectives might interact with various elements of the engineering
curriculum. For example, engineering faculty are exploring avenues that integrate
Christian perspectives into engineering design in such a way as to produce uniquely
Christian contributions to the engineering design process, especially in terms
of responsible and sustainable design. Central to the integration process is
the development of a methodology that creates and exploits meaningful categories
and paradigms that are capable of informing and illuminating engineering practice.
One example is the “Creation, Fall, Redemption” paradigm that is
a central tenant of the Christian faith. Using this paradigm, it is possible
to explore the fundamental nature and scope of engineering problems, the range
of possible and achievable design solutions, and ultimate and desirable goals.
The presence of a liberal arts core that provides the necessary conceptual foundation
for such explorations is a key element in this integrative process.